Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Plaque Program Seeks Honorees

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Sutton Hall & The Park Briar Plaques Advance Preservation Ethic

BY: Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

At a time when historic yet not landmarked buildings are insensitively altered or thoughtlessly demolished, a new bronze plaque program was launched, known as the Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Plaque Initiative. Rego-Forest Preservation Council partnered with Academy Engraving, Inc. in December 2021, with a vision of producing a trail of commemorative “Forest Hills Historic Site” and “Rego Park Historic Site” plaques. After submitting proposals and making presentations at board meetings, building managers, boards, and supers began expressing interest. Now buildings that have an interest can once again contact Rego-Forest Preservation Council, and sponsors are welcomed.

Forest Hills Historic site plaques for Sutton Hall & Park Briar, Gildardo Juarez & Frank DiBella of Academy Engraving

Between various preservation pursuits since the program’s founding, two buildings collaborated with the partnership. In June 2023, the façade of the Art Moderne meets Mid-Century Modern style Park Briar at 110-45 Queens Boulevard was the recipient of a bronze plaque, followed by a bronze plaque a few months later on the Tudor Medieval style Sutton Hall façade at 109-14 Ascan Avenue.

Originated by Rego-Forest Preservation Council, this program spotlights architecturally and culturally significant buildings by documenting their history and distinctive architecture on a plaque that is mounted on their façade. Architectural features are sampled and serve as a border and/or motif on a plaque to further celebrate its history. Additionally, vintage photos of the architect and the building are featured. In some cases, buildings may have lost their historic names, but can once again be appreciated, increasing the likelihood of restoring their regal name.

Plaque co-designer Michael Perlman, Park Briar board president Tammy Jacobi, Larry Fisher’s great-granddaughter Jamie Rose Fisher who unveiled the plaque, June 2023 photo by Danniel Maio

It is a belief that once property owners, boards, supers, and residents have an understanding of a site’s distinctive architectural characteristics and history, properties will be well-maintained and preserved by current stewards and future generations. Without historic buildings such as Sutton Hall and The Park Briar, the community would become a predictable “Anytown USA.”

Forest Hills was named in 1906 by Cord Meyer Development Company after “rolling hills” and its proximity to Forest Park, whereas Rego Park, an outgrowth, became official in 1923 by the Real Good Construction Company after their “REal GOod Homes” advertising slogan. Early to mid-20th century buildings grant a personalized experience for residents, newcomers, and visitors, with unique craftsmanship pertaining to styles that range from Tudor and (Georgian) Colonial to Art Deco. In addition to stately apartment buildings, religious sites, theaters, and commercial sites were designed by architects in partnership with builders who were often raised in Europe, and they were frequently built to last.

Sutton Hall Historic Site bronze plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman

Academy Engraving at 271 Madison Avenue designs the Broadway League’s Tony Award, in addition to trophies, signs, and plaques throughout New York City from memorial tablets to NYC park name plaques. Notable clients include Baccarat, Lalique, Rolex, and Bulgari. “We are proud to be a sign, awards, and custom engraving vendor based in Manhattan,” said president Frank DiBella. The highly skillful firm, which is known for its passionate craft with diverse accomplishments throughout the five boroughs, was founded in 1991 by DiBella and Mili Garavaglia. Today, their top of the line achievements continue to be available at affordable rates.

“I feel it is extremely important to add a marker or plaque that explains the architectural significance and history of historic buildings. It definitely helps to stress the importance of preservation with the property owner and neighbors,” said DiBella.

Park Briar Historic Site bronze plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman (3)

Since DiBella’s youth in Gravesend, Brooklyn, he has admired and respected historic homes and buildings. He said, “It was always exciting to discover a home built in the late 1700s and realize how many families came and went, and that home was still there after all that time. My favorite was Lady Moody’s home at 27 Gravesend Neck Road, which was famous in the neighborhood. My friends and I were proud it was in our own backyard. We also had the Wyckoff Bennett Homestead, a very interesting place built before the Revolutionary War.”

Coming home to Sutton Hall offers a grand and charming experience. Built from 1929 to 1931 by El-Walt Realty Corp, it is a foremost example of urban planning with English Manor design, evident by Medieval wood doors with stained glass bearing knights and shields, a cupola, a slate pitched roof, a half-timber and brick facade, battlements, and inner and outer landscaped courts and recessed facades to maximize light, air, and neighborliness. Sutton was portrayed as “a revelation in modern living” in a 1932 edition of The New York Sun. The building was designed by Benjamin Braunstein, a Constantinople native and award-winning architect, who was trained at the Hebrew Technical Institute and at the Beaux Arts Society. He also designed several nearby buildings, such as the Holland House, Tilden Arms, and The Wakefield, Valeria Arms, Devon Hall, The Chatham, and the New Hampshire Apartments. Some of his significant achievements in Rego Park are Marion Court, Remo Hall, Jupiter Court, the Oxford-Cambridge Apartments group, and The Sterling.

Sutton Hall circa early 1930s

Historic bronze plaques also enable the opportunity for unveiling ceremonies, where community residents can learn about the plaque production, a property’s history, and develop a new or renewed appreciation for architectural and artistic detail and form, as well as uncover the background of their architect and builder. There was no ceremony planned at Sutton Hall, but one was held beyond the exquisitely landscaped front pathways of The Park Briar on June 4, 2023 at 11:30 AM.

The Park Briar was the subject of a 1st prize award for its architectural and civic value in 1952 at a Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards Competition. That year’s “Queensborough” publication by the Chamber read, “Numerous angles of elevation in the 163-apartment structure afford maximum light and ventilation. An imposing marble entrance façade leads into a deftly-decorated lobby. Apartments ranging from 2 to 6 rooms contain exceptionally large picture windows, cross-ventilation throughout, and walk-in closets with lights.”

Today, one’s eye is drawn from the whimsical pathways to streamlined brickwork with floral motifs on curved and angular facades with large terraces, offering a striking appearance. An Art Deco lobby features rectangular columns, moldings, steps and a balcony with detailed brass railings, an illuminated geometric dome, and an ensemble of beige and brown terrazzo floors bearing a motif. Near the elevator is an Art Deco Capitol mail chute, a residential rarity. The Park Briar is a superb example of soundproof and fireproof reinforced concrete construction.

Sutton Hall stained glass, 1 of 2 side doors, Knight & crest became a plaque motif, Photo by Michael Perlman

Tammy Jacobi, board president of the Park Briar opened the ceremony, and referenced this columnist among other distinguished guest speakers, such as Executive Director Jason Antos of the Queens Historical Society, President Tom Grech of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director Frampton Tolbert of the Historic Districts Council. Jacobi said, “We are gathered to celebrate the exciting, historical ceremony, unveiling the Park Briar plaque. It is such a pleasure to see so many honorable people participating in this event. I have been a longtime resident, and it has been my pride and joy, along with my fellow board members, maintaining and preserving this building.”

Guest of Honor Jamie Rose Fisher, great-granddaughter of Larry Fisher who co-founded Fisher Brothers, delivered an eloquent speech. Then she pulled a curtain to unveil the plaque, and the crowd cheered. She felt deeply honored and explained, “It fills my heart with immense pride to be a part of this momentous occasion. The Park Briar holds a significant place in the history of our family’s legacy. Built by the visionary founders of Fisher Brothers, Martin, Larry and Zachary, this architectural gem represents their exceptional hard work and unwavering commitment to world-class design.”

The Park Briar circa 1960s, Courtesy of Fisher Brothers (1)

She felt privileged to have known her great-grandfather. “Although I was young when he passed away, his dedication and passion to our business continues to guide and motivate me to this day. Martin, Larry and Zachary possessed an extraordinary foresight that set them apart from their peers – most notably their continuous pursuit of excellence. The Park Briar exemplifies their visionary mindset, embodies the values they held dear and is a testament to their legacy, which has been carried forward through future generations of our family.”

From an expert in plaque production, Di Bella feels there is not much to say about cast bronze or etched bronze, since it is a pretty basic process. However, the quality generates a great impression and lasts a lifetime and beyond. In anticipation, he said, “You give me the wording, you choose a font and a border style from a catalog, we cast it, and six weeks later the tablet is done. But then you showed me images of the architectural features of these buildings and what made them so unique. It interests me, and I thought, ‘Why don’t we try to incorporate those features into some kind of decoration specific to that building?’ I’m glad I was able to create a tablet that would complement and enhance the building’s history and beautiful architecture. I look forward to more projects, and appreciate the knowledge that I gained.”

Readers of this column can express interest in sponsoring a commemorative and educational bronze plaque for their property, or donate to the Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Plaque Initiative fund. Everyone from residential building owners to residents to commercial tenants can email mperlman@queensledger.com. Readers can also join https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveRegoParkForestHillsQueens and visit www.academyengraving.com

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